Homer High Senior and longtime YAC member Patrick Schneider accepts the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award at the Alaska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Anchorage.

Overview of YAC

Homer's YAC is a a group of approximately 15 middle and high school students whose mission is "to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the youth of Homer."

This model for youth engagement in philanthropy is extremely hands-on and involves the students in all aspects of grantmaking and fund development. The YAC members follow a detailed agenda and although there is an adult advisor and support provided by HF staff, the monthly YAC meetings are student-led.

Since inception in 2004, YAC has distributed nearly $30,000 to support organizations that provide a broad array of programs and services to engage youth in healthy, affordable and easily accessible activities in the Homer community.

Values Statement

The Homer Foundation recognizes the need for young people to learn about philanthropy and how it relates to building a better community. As the leaders of tomorrow, youth need to develop attitudes, values and skills that will enable them to effectively contribute to the betterment of the community.